Watford Borough Council asks: 'should town continue with black and white taxis?' (From Watford Observer)

Watford Borough Council asks: 'should town continue with black and white taxis?'

2:48pm Friday 19th March 2010 in

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Watford’s traditional black and white taxis have been a part of the community for many years, their distinctive colour scheme instantly recognisable to passengers.

But that could soon change under plans proposed by Watford Borough Council.

Since 2005 the council has changed the make-up of its taxi fleet, with fewer saloon cars being licensed and more London-style cabs and people-carriers being approved.

Reluctant to enforce colour scheme changes on these vehicles, costing up to £1,000 a time, the council opted instead to fit all vehicles with roof and door signs bearing the council crest.

Its licensing committee members will soon decide if it is fair that saloon car owners are forced to carry on the tradition.

Councillor Jan Brown, committee chairman, said: “Now that all taxis have got the council’s logo on the front doors and highly visible white licence plates on the rear, it seems unfair that saloon car operators have to go to the trouble and expense of painting their cars black and white.”

The council’s licensing committee will decide on July 5, this year, whether to end the licensing condition.

The council, which is launching a public consultation on the issue, is seeking written comments or emails to licensing@watford.gov.uk by April 9.